Bipolar Information

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ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)
I wanted to mention all of the ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) individual treatments that were performed on me. I was a year at the State hospital as already mentioned in a previous paragraph. While there, I was messed up with many different medications that were administered to me so I volunteered to accept the ECT to be done. My hospital room was strictly left so that I was to make my bed and stay away from it the entire day. This was an impossible task because I was continually tired!!!! The act of showering was horrible as I was awakened from my stupor. I went to the University of Utah hospital to have the ECT done to me. I had a "session" of roughly thirty treatments. There was caffeine that was put in a needle and then put in the top of my vein of my hand. This was the most painful experience and very scarey to endure. There was a lot of preparation as I lay there in the stretcher to have all systems go. I had a mask to breathe into as the sleep was to go underway and I'd awake in oblivion. I could never get used to these treatments even though they eventually helped me in getting to my better condition. I am grateful that this was performed and gave positive results.

The bi-polar person, of course, doesn't get totally cured as some diseases of a normal human. I had a recent episode a couple years ago in 2007 due to a lot of stress that was occurring in my life that involved selling a home, selling a car, moving, and many other events that were all coming to a forefront in my life. I had a huge manic episode that brought me into the hospital.

They tried to stabilize me on some medicine. Then, an ECT was decided for me to have performed. I was really scared to have this done again. I imagined all of the people working there were in my "real" life. For instance, I thought my husband was someone else. I imagined one of my despised English teachers to be someone in the hospital. I never felt that I could do right there. My imagination ran wild. My husband visited me every day like a real trooper. He knew in his heart that I would get better in a matter of time. It was so painstakingly hard to see him because my progress seemed so very little. I had a hard time surviving with all of my feelings.

It was finally concurred that after another "session" of the ECT's, that I wouldn't be any better off in the hospital versus the home. Thankfully, the person that cares for me has stood by through my getting better and grounded with this condition of bi-polar. I don't think you can learn enough from manic-depression, nor can the family members affected as well. I am forever and progressively learning after twenty five years of being diagnosed.

I'd like to continue to hear from anyone who is seeking more knowledge and information whenever you feel the need for more answers.

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